Terms of access

The general conditions for access apply to vessels whose maximum dimensions are as follows:

• Maximum length: 160 metres (524.93 feet)
• Maximum beam: 25 metres (82.02 feet)
• Maximum DWT: 30,000 tm
• Maximum air draught: 42 metros (137.8 feet)

The general conditions also apply to vessels that exceed these dimensions but which have their own aids for making and completing manoeuvres.

Under the terms of these regulations, vessels are considered to be large when they do not have sufficient manoeuvring aids to make and complete manoeuvres different from those made in the open sea and which are more than 160 metres long and more than 25 metres wide. This type of vessel must enter the Puerta de Mar lock and carry out the berthing/unberthing manoeuvres with the assistance of a tugboat capable of omnidirectional pull, bollard pull of at least 45 Tm and its own towing rope, and a second conventional tugboat with a bollard pull of at least 35 Tm.

Vessels must not exceed any of the dimensions listed below:

• Maximum length: 190 metres (623.36 feet)
• Maximum beam: 30 metres (98.42 feet)
• Maximum DWT: 40,000 tm
• Maximum air draught: 42 metres (137.8 feet)

Vessels that are more than 180 metres long and 28 metres wide, or when they have an entrance draught greater than shown in the table above, and to the maximum of the general scale in force, must request permission from the Port Authority of Seville in advance so that, in view of the characteristics of the vessel, it can establish the conditions necessary to allow access to the port or to deny passage with the reasons for this decision.

The maximum draft in fresh water for outgoing vessels in two tides is as per table below:

This operation will be permitted for vessels that meet the following conditions:

• The captain has previous information about the applicable conditions and regulations for the service requested.
• The pilot, once on board, will inform the captain of the manoeuvres to perform in full detail.
• The anchor equipment and other navigation aids must be in perfect working order.
• The rudder will have a response time of less than 25 seconds from side to side.
• Any other condition ordered by the Harbour Master on the report from the Pilots of Seville, who will assess the technical aspects of the vessel, such as the length, speed of manoeuvre, presence and strength of bow thrusters or any other condition they consider relevant.